MTV VMAs scrap Best Rock category after 37 years
The MTV Video Music Awards are shaking up tradition, throwing out a long-standing category to make way for something new. After 37 years, the prestigious Best Rock category has been scrapped for the upcoming ceremony, signaling a major shift in how rock music is celebrated on the awards stage.
Instead of the traditional rock category, the VMAs are introducing Best Alternative. This new category promises a fresh look at the diverse sounds dominating modern music, featuring artists like Tame Impala, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and Sombr, among others.
This evolution isn’t just a cosmetic change; it reflects the ongoing transformation of music itself. Rock music’s journey at the VMAs has been a long one, evolving from the initial recognition of Heavy Metal videos in 1989 through various iterations of Hard Rock categories to finally settling on the current iteration.
The decision comes just a year after the ceremony honored the late Ozzy Osbourne with a musical tribute by Yungblud and the legacy of Aerosmith and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. The change underscores a desire to celebrate contemporary alternative sounds.
As we look ahead to the 2026 ceremony, the red carpet is set for Sunday, September 27th, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where the event will be broadcast live across CBS, MTV, and Paramount+.
The nominees are already stacked with powerhouse performances. Madonna is leading the charge with 11 nods, including Video Of The Year for Confessions II – The Film, which brilliantly showcased her latest studio album. She is also vying for Artist Of The Year and Song Of The Year for her collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter on the single ‘Bring Your Love’.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift continues to dominate the nominations, claiming nine appearances, including Artist Of The Year and Video Of The Year for ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’. If she secures just one major prize, she will become the most-awarded artist at the VMAs ever, tying with Beyoncé for the most wins.
Other heavy hitters in the running for Artist Of The Year include Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, and Sabrina Carpenter. The Song Of The Year category is also hotly contested by acts like BTS, Olivia Dean, and Raye.
The competition is fierce, with Harry Styles earning a nomination for Best Dance for his single ‘Aperture’, and Charli XCX up for multiple awards with her new single ‘SS26’.
With fan voting now open, the stage is set for an exciting night as audiences decide who truly deserves the crown for the 2026 ceremony.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
